Toyota’s first-ever electric sedan, the bZ3 has finally shed its camouflage as images of fully undisguised examples have appeared on the internet. Based on the bZ SDN concept, the bZ3 electric sedan will be restricted to be sold in Chinese market only, whereas company’s plans to introduce it in other markets remain uncertain.
Being left behind on the EV forefront, the bZ3 is Toyota’s first electric sedan and only the second pure electric vehicle after the bZ4X SUV, the production of which has been called off due to unresolved mechanical failures. According to Chinese motoring media, the bZ3 sedan will come into fruition with a lot of help from Chinese companies. It will be built at FAW-Toyota’s plant using BYD’s technology, especially the Blade LFP battery pack. And as seen in a leaked document which was pasted inside the test mule, the manufacturer name of bZ sedan is also shown as BYD.
Leaked document with its (Yandex) translation
Chinese media also claims that the bZ4X SUV launched earlier, also uses an electric motor provided by GAC, which besides FAW, is Toyota’s another joint venture partner in China. The bZ3 will be powered by an electric motor either with 183 hp in the base model or 244 hp in the up-spec model. Top speed however will be electronically capped to 160 km/h on both versions.
Related: Toyota Offering bZ4X Buyback as Recall isn’t Going Great
The Toyota bZ3 sedan measures 4,725mm long, 1,835mm wide and 1,475mm tall with a 2,880mm wheelbase. For the sake of comparison, the 12th gen Toyota Corolla sedan measures 4,630mm/ 1,780mm/ 1,455mm with a wheelbase of 2,700mm. This makes the bZ3 much larger than the standard international-spec Corolla sedan.
Different variants of BYD-built Toyota bZ3 sedan in China
As seen in the previously shared image of the interior, the minimalist dashboard design gets a large 15.0+ inch vertically oriented touchscreen much like those found in other BYD cars, & there is another 7.0 inch floating screen in front of driver which will act as a digital meter & info cluster. The central tunnel with rotary gear selector appears to be different than that of the bz4x EV.
Related: BYD will Supply Blade Batteries to Tesla, Toyota, Suzuki & Daimler
The Toyota bZ3 electric sedan is expected to make its debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2022 and will go on sale in Chinese market thereafter.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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